"The club wanted to keep him but the lure of Champions League football and the prospect of being involved in the sporting project at PSG was an opportunity that Yohan made very clear to us he wanted to take," a statement read.

"Yohan leaves the club with our best wishes for his future at PSG and, hopefully, as part of the French national squad for this summer's World Cup."

And De Jong told the club's official site: "Newcastle is a great club and I have a good feeling about it.

"I am very impressed with the stadium and training ground and have been made to feel very welcome by everyone I have met.

"It has been a tough season for me so far but I am here to play games and want to be important for the team, and successful with goals and assists.